Crime Stoppers Text-A-Tip Program

Message and Data Rates May Apply

As part of our effort to cultivate innovative partnerships in public and private sectors, the Boston Police Department collaborated with Hill Holliday to launch the Text-A-Tip tip line in 2007, the first of its kind in the United States. Anytime, anywhere, individuals can simply text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463) and report a crime anonymously to our Crime Stoppers unit.

Text-A-Tip engages the community and assists the BPD in our mission to reduce violence and strengthen public safety initiatives. In the event of high-profile crimes, Crime Stoppers assists the affected Districts by distributing brochures and pamphlets.

To raise awareness among the public, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) donated ad space in subway cars, platforms, and buses. Additionally, radio stations donated airtime for public service announcements during peak hours throughout the city.

Text-A-Tip has proved an effective tool, with tips leading to drug, gang, and violent crime arrests. Crime Stoppers received approximately 423 texts in 2012. With the events of the Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013, the unit received 333 texts during that month alone.

Crime Stoppers Mobile Terms and Conditions

PREFACE:

If you see a crime in progress or need to report an emergency, please call 911. By participating in the Boston Police Department Crime Stoppers Mobile Program, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions presented here. The Boston Police Department ("BPD") makes best efforts to ensure the program is available on most major wireless carriers; this program is available on participating carriers only and therefore BPD cannot guarantee this program will work for all participants. Although the program is complimentary to participants, standard text messaging rates may apply. Check with your carrier and wireless plan for details.

Important!For your safety, you should always delete all text messages from Crime Stoppers (27463) from your inbox and your outbox.

Crime Stoppers Important Information

How to submit a tip

To text a tip to the Boston Police Department (BPD) Crime Stoppers Mobile Program, you must have text messaging enabled on your phone and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip session, text the word "TIP" to the number 27463, which spells the word "CRIME" on your phone's keypad.

You may also always submit a tip by calling 1-800-494-TIPS.

While handset menus differ by carrier or model, here are some basic steps on how to compose a text message for "Text the word TIP to CRIME (27463)"

Find "Messaging" or "SMS" off your phone's main menu.

Create a new text message or send text.

When composing your message- Enter the number 27463 as the mobile # or in the "to" line then enter the word, TIP, as your message (TIP is not case-sensitive).

Hit "Send" to send the message.

You will receive a response from Crime Stoppers shortly, which will start the txt dialogue.

When you complete your tip submission, for your safety, you should always delete all text messages from 27463 from your text message in box and out box.

What is text messaging and how do I know if I can send or receive a text?

Text messaging is also known as SMS or "short message service." Text messaging is a way to communicate on your mobile by sending or receiving plan text messages. To determine if you can send text messages, it is best to contact your wireless provider or refer to your mobile device's manual.

What is Crime Stoppers?

The Boston Police Crime Stoppers Program highlights unsolved crimes of violence in the local media, appealing to the public for information. Users may submit tips either by calling a toll free tip line number 1-800-494-TIPS or via text messaging, by sending the word "TIP" to CRIME (27463). The line is answered and monitored by Police Officers and trained personnel who forward the information to the appropriate investigators.

You will not be asked to reveal your identity to the Police in order to provide information about a violent crime and the Boston Police will not be able to trace the text message in any way. If your information results in the arrest and indictment of an offender, you will be eligible for an award of up to $1,000.

Types of crimes to submit

Crime Stoppers wants information on every type of crime, not just those covered in the media. The text tip line is not traced, and we are not interested in the user's identity. We believe Crime Stoppers offers a way for callers to rid their neighborhoods of crime SAFELY.

When to submit a tip

With the BPD Crime Stoppers Mobile Program, you may submit a tip anytime, anywhere, 24/7.

How to check the status of a potential reward

If you have been issued a tip code for your tip, please call 1-800-494-TIPS to check on the status of your case. You will not be asked to disclose your identity. Simply provide the six-digit code you were issued via text message. Remember, you may be eligible for a reward if your information related to a violent crime results in the arrest or indictment of an offender.

Cost to send

Although the BPD Crime Stoppers Mobile Program is complimentary and requires no purchase or fee for participation, message & data rates may apply. Check your mobile plan for more details. Message frequency e.g. 2 msg/qry per tip submitted to Crime Stoppers Text-A-Tip service.

At any time, from your mobile phone, send a text message with the word "HELP" to CRIME (27463) for program information. You may also contact 1-800-494-TIPS to check on the status of a submitted tip.

Privacy

No mobile phone information is collected by the Boston Police Department as part of this program. Your text tip is completely anonymous to the Boston Police Department and is only traceable by you via a six-digit tip code that will be provided to you. Any information you submit is shared with the Boston Police Department Crime Stoppers Unit and relevant Boston Police Department investigative officers.

To stop the program

To stop the program at any time, you can opt out via text message. Send a text message with the word "STOP" to CRIME (27463). You'll receive a one-time opt-out confirmation text message. If you choose to, you can submit a text tip again at a later time by texting the word TIP to CRIME (27463).

Program duration

The BPD Crime Stoppers Mobile Program is available beginning June 15, 2007 and is ongoing until further notice.

Program availability

Currently, the Service is only applicable to crimes committed in Boston, Massachusetts and only functions in the United States. You understand and acknowledge that you may not sign up for, access, or attempt to access or use the Service from countries outside of the United States. You agree to abide by U.S. and other applicable export control laws and not to transfer, by electronic transmission or otherwise, any content or software subject to restrictions under such laws to a national destination or person prohibited under such laws.

Liability

The Boston Police Department is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, damaged, illegible or misdirected e-mail or mobile messages or for any technical problems, malfunctions of any telephone lines, computer systems, servers, providers, hardware/software, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission or any combination thereof. The Boston Police Department not responsible for any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participation in or accessing or downloading information in connection with this program.

CAUTION

ANY ATTEMPT BY A PARTICIPANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROGRAM IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. The Boston Police Department reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify or restrict access from any individual who tampers with the program process. In the event of a dispute regarding any entry, the entry will be deemed made by the authorized account holder of the internet address submitted at the time of entry (i.e., the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization responsible for assigning IP addresses for the domain associated with the action). The Boston Police Department assumes no responsibility for undeliverable emails or mobile messages resulting from any form of active or passive email or mobile filtering by a user's internet service provider / mobile provider and/or email client or for insufficient space in user's email or mobile phone account to receive email or messages. The Boston Police Department reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this program should a virus, bug, or other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor corrupt the administration, security or proper operation of the program. In the event of termination, a notice will be posted on-line. Sponsor reserves the right to modify the promotion or disqualify participants if fraud, misconduct or technical failures destroy the integrity of the program as determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.